[sweetliberty]

I disagree that the tear shed by Wormtongue was one of joy. Joy is something that erupts from the fullness of the soul and does not coexist with evil. It struck me that this was most definitely an insight into what he had sold himself to, never having imagined that that such utter destruction could be imminent and that realization stirred what was left of his human soul with a pang of regret.

[My2Cents]

Good comment. I wasn't comfortable with the term "joy"...I just couldn't think of another term. You may be right. That would make his character more tragic. Although I've always thought of Wormtongue as someone without a hint of humanity left in his soul.